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From time to time throughout the history of Rock N Roll, an advertiser would sponsor albums by the big stars of the day. In 1961, Brylcreem (with the slogan of “A Little Dab’ll Do Ya”) promoted the album, “Sing Along with Connie Francis.” The value is not much: up to $20.00 but in 1971, Doral cigarettes issued a mail-order album by Diana Ross. A copy can get you $200.00 today.

Among the most successful girl-groups of the 60’s was the Ronettes. Produced by Phil Spector, they cranked out major hits like “Be My Baby,” “Baby, I Love You,” and “Walking in the Rain.” Released in 1964, “Walking in the Rain” would go on to win a Grammy Award. An original copy on Philles Records is worth up to $40.00 but the picture sleeve can get to $125.00 today.

During the golden age of Rock N Roll, instrumentals were more prevalent on the charts than in later years. Among the standouts were those by the Ventures and Duane Eddy. But there were many one-hit wonders like “Wild Weekend” by the Rockin Rebels. Originally recorded as a theme song for Tom Shannon on WKBW in Buffalo, “Wild Weekend” went top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. The 45 can now sell for $40.00. The “Wild Weekend” album, released on Swan Records in 1963, can sell for $100.00 today.

The second album for Santana was “Abraxas.” The record was a perfect mixture of Rock with Latin influences. Rolling Stone lists “Abraxas” on its list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time.” The cover depicts the painting of “The Annunciation” my Mart Klatwein.  Featuring two of Santana’s biggest hits, “Black Magic Woman” and “Oye Como Va,” an original copy of the album on Columbia Records is worth up to $150.00 today as is the first Santana album. Both are shown here.

On April 21,1973 a song originally based on the story about a Union army prisoner coming home from Andersonville Prison during the Civil War is at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. It would go on to sell 6 million copies as it becomes the biggest hit of 1973. Its Tony Orlando & Dawn and “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole’ Oak Tree.” That 45 is worth no more than $10.00 but Tony Orlando’s first album “Bless You” can bless you with over $50.00 today.

Northern Soul records continue to be much sought after by record collectors throughout the world. In 1976, Brownstone Records released the 45, “World Full of People,” by Everyday People. A copy is worth up to $1,000.00. In 1967, Jesse Davis recorded “Gonna Hang On in There Girl,” for Era Records. A copy can get you $2,000.00 today.

Taking their name from the Buick Riviera, the Rivieras had one of the biggest hits of 1963 with “(They’re out there having fun in the warm) California Sun.” Released on Riviera Records, the 45 is worth up to $20.00 but the album, “Let’s Have a Party,” containing the hit, can get you $100.00 today.

Buck Owens had not only a tiger but also the Country charts by the tail in the 1960’s and 1970’s with hits like “Act Naturally” and “Waitin in Your Welfare Line.” In 1969, Buck Owens, along with Roy Clark, starred in a TV show that was a Country version of “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-in.” The show, “Hee Haw,” went on to be one of television’s greatest success stories. In 1961, La Brea Records released the debut album. “Buck Owens.” A copy can get you $200.00 today.

Billy Lee Riley was perched on the brink of stardom in 1957 with “(My Gal is) Red Hot” when Sam Phillips, the man who discovered Elvis, switched his promotional money and input away from Billy Lee in favor of “Great Balls of Fire” by Jerry Lee Lewis, leaving Billy Lee Riley lost among the lesser-known singers on the Sun label. Still, Billy Lee is much admired by rockers everywhere. His two best known 45’s, “Red Hot” and “Flyin Saucers Rock and Roll,” can each fetch $100.00 today.

“These Arms of Mine” was the first hit for the legendary Otis Redding who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989. The single on Volt Records can now sell for $30.00. Redding was not only the soul singer’s soul singer, he was a family man who worked tirelessly to bring different races and cultures together. He was also a wise businessman, and unlike many of his contemporaries, he made sure he was paid all that was due him; not ripped off like so many others in the business. His debut album containing “These Arms of Mine” was “Pain in My Heart.” Released on ATCO Records in 1962, a copy is worth up to $200.00 today.